Planning your wedding here isn’t just about the ceremony — it’s about the full experience. From the moment you arrive to the final farewell breakfast, here’s how your time unfolds…
1. The Arrival
From the first turn into the driveway, the magic begins. Guests park, bags are unloaded, and keys are collected. You’re welcomed by the team who will be by your side throughout — calm, organised, and ready to make everything seamless.
2. Settling In
Find your room, unpack, and take a moment to breathe it all in. As you wander the hallways, you begin to uncover the stories within the walls. At Thicket Priory, the building itself feels like a host — and those spontaneous encounters in the pantries quickly become part of the charm.
3. Exploring the Magic
Before the celebrations begin, there’s time to explore. Hidden corners, grand staircases, fairy streets — every space invites discovery and creates the perfect backdrop for memories. We don’t have many ‘private’ signs around Thicket Priory, which encourages you to be nosey!
4. The “Last Supper”
The evening before is something special. A relaxed meal and drinks in the Gryffin bar shared with your closest people — laughter, anticipation, and the quiet excitement before the big day. If you’d like to make this a little more formal, black-tie and cocktails is always a great shout!
5. A Slow, Joyful Morning
No rushing, just a gentle morning of getting ready — music playing, coffee flowing, makeup brushes dancing, and nerves turning into excitement. Your skilled prep-team will have timings laid out for you, so we can ensure you have time to be in your dress, or suited and booted with time for a few key photographs before you hit the aisle!
6. The “I Do” Moment
The reason you’re all here. Whether indoors or outside, the ceremony feels intimate, emotional, and entirely yours.
7. Confetti, Drinks, Dining & Speeches
Clouds of confetti, champagne corks popping, glasses clinking, and conversations flowing. Delicious food, heartfelt speeches, and the glow of celebration fill the space.
8. That In-Between Time
One of the hidden luxuries of a private-hire venue: no awkward gaps. Relax, refresh, take photos, sneak away for a quiet moment — or simply enjoy the calm before the evening begins.
9. Party Time
The lights dim, the music rises, and the dance floor comes alive. Shoes come off, ties loosen, and the celebration truly begins.
10. Farewell Breakfast
The perfect ending. A relaxed breakfast shared with the people who’ve stayed the night — reliving the highlights, laughing about the dance floor moments, and saying your goodbyes slowly.
…or you could stay for an extra night! Extending your celebrations into a 3 day of shenanigans with your loved ones!
10a. Extend your celebrations to a third day…
Why limit your celebration to two days, when you can gently stretch the joy into three?
Add the warmth and cheer of a brass band drifting across the grounds, a scattering of garden games on the lawn, and an abundance of delicious food and refreshing drinks shared among friends. Before you know it, the laughter lingers, conversations deepen, and your guests find themselves wishing the weekend would never quite end.
And as the seasons turn and the air carries that familiar crispness, a three-day gathering takes on an even cosier charm. Imagine a leisurely Sunday roast enjoyed together, the comforting clink of glasses in the bar, and the glow of a relaxed evening indoors. Perhaps you host a light-hearted pub quiz, arrange a scavenger hunt through the house and grounds, or even surprise your guests with a delightfully dramatic murder mystery night.
In every season, there is space to linger a little longer — to savour good company, good food, and the simple joy of being together.
…And a Sneaky Number 11: Staying in Touch
Because weddings at Thicket Priory aren’t just events — they’re experiences that create lasting connections. The memories (and the friendships) don’t end at check-out, you become part of the Thicket Priory family…so please keep in touch!!!
With love,
Anna xXx
Photo Credits:
Sections 1 – 10 – Carla Mclaren Photography
Section 11 – (Garden Party) – Sally T Photography
…and a big thank you to our gorgeous couples featured in this blog…
Beth & Immy
Fiz & Leo
Nicola & Adam
Keiran & Lucy
Johanna & Mike
Ayesha & Chris
FAQ’s
1. Can a photographer / videographer use a drone at the wedding?
Yes, drones are permitted in the area of the venue, outdoor only.
2. Is the accommodation family friendly?
Yes, there is great flexibility with how you accommodate your guests, with some twin rooms, additional children’s bed and cots which can be added to the rooms.
3. How do I charge my guests for the bedrooms?
At Thicket Priory you at the hosts are hiring the venue exclusively, inclusive of all 35 bedrooms. So in essence you are booking the rooms on your guests behalf. We will then guide you with the costs you may charge your rooms back to your guests, where guests will pay you directly. We create a rooms website for every couple to help make the experience of asking your guests to share the weekend with you even more special.
